The sweater campaign 2018/19 was successfully completed by 30th of November, 2018.KG Circle of teachers played an active role from identifying students to purchasing sweaters and distributing it to the finalized students. In total we were able to help all 415 students in need from 10 schools. The happy faces of students after getting the sweater were very pleasant to watch.However we are still raising fund for this campaign because we have not managed to raise the total fund yet. Till now we have only raised NRs. 48,750 out of NRs. 145,250. We are in a huge deficit of NRs. 96,500. Interested people can support us by helping us to raise the remaining fund.

We conducted a day long retreat from 11am to 4:30pm, with KG Circle of Educators from 7 schools. The retreat was conducted very lightly with mindfulness activities, meditation, movement activities and sharing. We also had a good conversation on the strategy of educator circle, its role and values. We drafted the strategy for the next quarter on how to empower the circle activities work.

We conducted an Empathy workshop with peoples officers at cloud factory. There were 2 groups and each groups went through three different sessions 1. Empathy 2. Mindfulness and 3. Communication. Overall the feedback from the participants were very positive and they have shown interest to join our activities in the future as well.

We conducted 28 community events for elderly citizens who are looking for a social engagement but haven't found that space and opportunity. So we designed Hamarapalama as their way to be social and have conversations on topics of their interests. Most of the topics were of historical and cultural nature, that they referred to as "Satsang". A speaker would speak on a certain topic and the audience could also give their viewpoint on the topic. We would especially like to thank "Maheshwor juju Rajopadhya" for being such a wonderful speaker of the event. We also like to thank Bishnu Pandey, Ishor Raj Lohani, Ram Krishna Tamrakar, Kamal Nath Mishra for the continuous participation.

After the tiring school day teachers from John Dewy school, Balwatar were ready to experience the very first Empathy session. Around 25 teachers participated the session. Everyone was engaging equally. It was very heartwarming to see participants becoming more confident to trust the group and share their emotions. All of them said that this was different and very nice experience for them regarding other usual training sessions they use to have. The overall feedback from the participants was very positive.

Empathy Workshop 2018 was held at a beautiful and peaceful space at Gairidhara. Many thanks to Accountability Lab for providing us the space and facilities. The workshop was successfully held with 22 participants including 7 children. There was separate engagements for adults and children. Basically the event focused on actionable practices of Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence which could be an important tools for seeding the culture of Empathy in home, schools, workplace and community. Overall the feedback from participants were so positive and they are also interested for upcoming events. It was a great experience to have people from mixed backgrounds. We are looking forward for organizing more such events in coming future. Any one who is interested can join.

Empathy session held at Tashi Waldorf school. The whole session was based on mindfulness and emotional intelligence which brought about a flow of positive vibes and deep sense of connection. Thank you for giving us this opportunity. ​​

The U.S embassy's Book Bus conducted the 3rd edition of Innovation in education fair from 16th Aug 2018 to 25th Aug 2018. Different workshops were held on the theme of STEAM Education, Arts Education, Visual arts, Outdoor learning, Emotional Intelligence, and many other innovations in education. We also participated as an observer where we observed some of the workshops that were relevant to our work. At the exhibition day 25th Aug, we setup a stall in the hall along with other organizations like Karkhana, Sunsar Maya, The Asia Foundation, Canopy Nepal etc. We displayed our work and spoke to the participants who were interested to know about us and our work. The participation was good though it was raining during the day. It felt great to be appreciated by the participation for the kind of work we are doing on the theme of Empathy. Over all the Fair was a good experience and a platform for us to reach out to teachers, students and parents and give them the sense of Empathy and its importance in school. workplace and community at large.

Toast master is a platform for individuals to develop their communication and leadership skills. The team of Kehi Garoun actively participated in one of the club's meeting organised by Kathmandu Toast Masters. It was very nice to watch how people were learning to speak in public and develop their communication skills. Also leaders were in the process of learning while they were the one who were hosting the event. It was an open where we would be judged in our skills from different angels like, body language, grammar, throw of voice etc, but still the group would be so open to that. The meeting was fun too because it had that sense of humor too. The meeting was worth attending. ​

Awakin Circle is the creation of a time and space where we can step out of our daily activities to meditate and engage in a circle of reflective sharing. Every week on Thursday, we come together to sit in silence, share some personal insights and some hugs and tea afterwards.A palpable sense of gratitude and community weaves through it all. The ripples of inner transformation are countless -- and continue on.

Details:

7:00 am: 20 mins of collective silence; its unguided, without any instructions or music. A bell denotes the opening and three bells indicate the end of the first 20 mins.

7:20 am: A short reading (sent out earlier via email), followed by a circle of personal stories and reflections from everyday life. We invite everyone to share thoughts that come up for them.

8:00 am: Some tea and hugs in silence. Afterwards, folks who can stay for informal time can connect in Empathy Circle for smaller conversations.

Being a facilitator, when we see children changing their behaviors towards empathy is a beautiful feeling. Identifying own problem, exploring and interacting with others to better understand the situation, finding solutions with validating other’s views, and coordinating well to execute the solutions is what students go through. As a result we have experienced that even a reserved and afraid child has become ready to initiate conversation in our sessions.

There are more important things that we have seen through students that we have worked with on E-DFC. They are as follows:-

"...the research evidence keeps piling up, and it points strongly to the conclusion that a high degree of empathy in a relationship is possibly the most potent and certainly one of the most potent factors in bringing about change and learning." Carl RogersAn empathy circle is a space to explore on the theme of empathy. The objective of this circle is to cultivate a culture of empathy within the community. It tends to nurture and deepen empathy with ourselves and others. Deeper empathy has many benefits Such as:-

It fosters learning, connection, social change, supports sustainable collaborative action, transforms conflict, it fosters resilience, as well as builds trust and heals.

It helps to deepen our empathic listening skills.

We will be able to find more clarity and deeper understanding of our feelings and needs.

1. To understand a complex world (full here)“The ability to understand what someone is feeling” – that’s the textbook definition of empathy. But when put into practice, empathy means a whole lot more. It means the ability to grasp the many sides of today’s complex problems and the capacity to collaborate with others to solve them; it means being as good at listening to the ideas of others as articulating your own; it means being able to lead a team one day, and participate as a team member the next...What’s more important is that you can take the perspective of others – whether you’re designing a new technology, or negotiating, or anticipating the uncertain. Indeed, how well we do — whether in the classroom or the boardroom — depends more than ever on how well we forge and navigate relationships. In this way, empathy is the new literacy: essential for us to communicate, collaborate, and lead."

2. To design solutions to problems (full here)"The core principles of design thinking are to empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test. Teaching design thinking can be a powerful way of teaching students empathy in that it teaches them how to solve another person’s problems by providing creative and innovative solutions that relate to his or her needs...Empathy is the first step in design thinking because it is a skill that allows us to understand and share the same feelings that others feel. Through empathy, we are able to put ourselves in other people's shoes and connect with how they might be feeling about their problem, circumstance, or situation. Some questions to consider:

Giving Circleis agroup of teachers from government school, contributing their time and effort to bring about change in their community. In government schools many students are unable to afford the notebooks needed for their school work which often leads to dropouts of students. Therefore in this beginning of academic year the circlehas identified the need of stationery for students.

It costs Rs 3,000 to provide notebooks needed for an academic year to 10 students.

Experiencing moments of connection, disconnection and self realization Kehi Garoun held the 6th “Mindfulness” Retreat in Boudha,Kathmandu this weekend. The theme of the retreat was to explore the potential of the change that ripples from self to into the world which was so visible among 24 participants, the space and people around. There were 4 adorable kids as well, who made the retreat more play full and alive. We used the tools of mindfulness and interaction which somehow made an impact to every individual. The desire of the change from within which would ripple out through relationships and to the world seems possible now after having this retreat done. And there is more hope that things would fall in place and the world would be a better place, as we start to see ourselves and others as humans.

Kehi Garoun team attended the training organized by the Waldorf Education Nepal regarding the theme of Children Development. This training was led by an amazing tutor from Israel. The training was held at one of the Waldorf's school situated at Bansbari, Chakrapath from 15th April to 20th April. We got a sense of understanding a child's world and how he/she behaves and their development. Focusing on grade 1-5, the whole session was about preparing teachers to better engage with children and facilitate them to go on their beautiful journey from their pictorial, imaginative space to the real world where they need to be aware of themselves and many things around them. This training was a great experience and very very impact-full.

The last breathers was held successfully with 12 people in KG office. The whole session revolved around a simple question, "Who is sad?", where everyone was engaging equally. It is a regular session running every Friday morning from 7:30 to 9:00 am. One and half hour long this session included breathing exercise and sharing on the given topic. Everyone enjoyed to be the part of this session. Members of breathers believe that this kind of session is needed to everyone out there.

"Can we see the world through others' eyes or others' point of view?" question arises in the empathy session this Friday. Everyone engaged with their own thoughts. Everyone shared their point of view while thinking about other people like what they see, hear, feel and think in a certain situation. The session is held in Kanya Mandir HS School with 17 participants.

After a Breathers session at Budhanilkantha, KG team members started a silent hike uphill towards Gairigaun, Muhanpokhari located near the boundaries of Shivpuri National Park. The team stayed at a members place in the locality which was abundant in nature.

The three day trip explored themes of facilitator development sessions and mindful sessions.

Facilitator Development SessionsSessions included discussion on notions of:

Factors influencing facilitation.

Features of facilitators.

Emotional Intelligence.

Co-creating relationships.

Questioning and listening.

Mindful Sessions: Indoor/Outdoor

Silent hikes.

Breath watching.

Body Scan.

Open sharing and discussions.

The retreat was overall a rejuvenating experience for all the participants. It became a place for learning, sharing and co-creating relationships.

The campaign started with a motive of reaching and helping students in need of warm sweaters so that they could be motivated to attend school in this year's freezing winter. With the help of mentors KG identified 396 students in 12 different schools who needed to be helped. Along the way we were also able to provide 169 warm hats to children. We thank all mentors, volunteers, donors and enablers who have shown their constant support towards the movement.

This winter KG organized a winter camp for government school students. There were 8 participants form Shanti Sikshya secondary school. The camp was 3 days long which included activities on Emotional Intelligence and Design For Change. Emotional Intelligence was a completely new topic for them. Everyone participated in the entire 3 days of winter camp with a lot of interest and enthusiasm. According to them, at first, they thought the camp will be boring with some teaching and writing activities. They had not expected this kind of session. After completing the camp everyone was happy to learn new things. Everyone shared how they were unaware of simple daily activities which could affect them as well as others. They found the sessions completely new, interesting, and fruitful.

“I will definitely be aware of what I am going to do and how I am talking to others. I find it really important to know how a small thing can affect others without the intention to hurt them” said Nishan Rai.

Umanga Pandey, founder-president, is a philosopher and a management consultant. Leveraging his experiences in some of the world’s leading institutions, he explores models of change.

Rajesh Siddhi is a local of Kathmandu. Studied computer science and Biology in the US. Returned and started an entertainment business, love studying about Buddhism and Nepali culture history, and enjoying being close to nature.

Praven Raj joshi, vice-president, is a earth lover and an IT entrepreneur. He brings his experience as an engineer and an educator to innovate in education, health and climate change.

Bidhya Hirachan, treasurer, is moved by social justice and climate change issues. A graduate of Tourism school in Salzburg, Austria, she founded Mustang Trails, a specialty eco-tourism company.

Sara Subba, is a development consultant in Nepal. She works on issues of indigenous rights and environment. After studying in the US, she returned in Nepal to work at the Mountain Institute.

Abhilash Acharya, Secretary, is a life-coach and a mindfulness-guide. A trained counselor and communications consultant, he uses tools of psychology and spirituality to facilitate personal journeys.

Gaurav Rana joined KG in 2014 after completing his master's abroad, to start a guidance counseling programme. His aim is embarked on a journey to understand relationship and life better, one day at a time.

Juna Maya Panday Koirala is a psychologist who is driven by a love for the movement arts and nature. She is passionate to work for well-being of children. She has been studying the potential of yoga for child/youth development and for transforming education.

​​Sirish Bhatt is an explorer who is passionate about hands-on heritage education for children. She believes that providing an initial spark of interest in children can lead to a lifelong understanding and appreciation of their heritage and inspiration to care.

ADVISORY TEAM GLOBAL

​​Ingo Wagleri, from Germany, worked for Kathamndu municipality.

Danny Levinson, an technology enthusiast in China and HK.​

Suchitra Shenoy is a writer and investor. She is helping form KG's International Advisory Board.

Kavita Srinivasan, an architect and an actor, is an observer in the board and advisory group.

​​Shawn Cole, Professor at Harvard Business School, focuses on “Business at the Base of the Pyramid.”

Prakash Tiwari (New York) is a student of sociology in CUNY

Janneke Versteegprovides PR advisory from Amsterdam.

Pratigya Upadhyaya is an environmental researcher based in DC.

Uttam Sharma ​is an economic researcher in Australia. He heads the Advisory Committee.

Rajeshwor Pradhan is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant.

Narayan Adhikari is an Accountability entrepreneur. He is mostly leaders working movement on build integrity in Nepal through his organization Accountability Lab. He is an observer in advisory group.

members

​Miru Vaidya served as a tresurer and manager for 5 years.

Pratishara Manandhar served as ​the Program Officer in 2015.

Pramod Poudel is a self employed. He did master's in Economics.

Sahara Rayamajhi served in the board for 2 years and as staff for 2 years, and initiated Stationery Campaign. She is an observer in advisory group.

Raju Singh is a director of​Professional Education Consultancy.

Anil K. Shah an engineer turned into management profession by chance with considerable experience into HR and project management who also loves teaching few management courses like Operations Management, International Business and Strategic Management. He is an observer in advisory group.

Durga Mali is a resident of Naikap, kathmandu. Working in the cashmere production company owned by a German since last 15 years. I am impressed by the slogan of KG: Personal change leads to social change and became a member of KG.

MENTOR CIRCLE MEMBERS

Sarala Panta, President Mentors circle, teacher at Kanya Mandir Secondary School last 17 years, She is impressed by Mother Teresa and involved in social work last 10 years.

Neema Rajbhandari, Mentor's member, Teacher at Shanti Sikshya Mandir Secondary School last 18 years, is interested in teaching & social work.

Rukmini Humagai mentor's member, teacher at Adarsha basic School last 15 years.

Minu Devkota, Mentor's member, teacher at Nandi Secondary School last 18 years, is interested in teaching & social work.

Khagendra Poudel, government teacher at Kankeshwori​Lower Secondary School, is interested in teaching and social work.

Indra Pokhrel, Member mentor circle, teacher at Bal Bikash Basic School last 25 years, is interested in teaching & social work. He is involved at KG last 4 years.

Daya Chandra Shrestha, Mentor's member , teacher at Mahendra Saraswoti Basic School last 28 years, is interested in teaching . He is involved at KG last 9 years.

Shyam Maskey, mentor's member, teacher at Nepal National Basic school last 22 years, is interested in social work.

Australian Consolidated Milk (ACM) is Australia’s fastest growing dairy company . They collect milk from their valued suppliers and deliver dairy ingredients directly to end-user customers in the domestic and export markets.

Jaya Travels has been a member of KG ever since 2011. They had also provided office space to KG in April, May and June of 2011. Jaya Travels is a leading ticketing agency.

Theo Wels , a resident of France is believes in caring and loving human being. He has been contributing toward our charity program "Giving 100percent".

Prayush Shakya, BBA student at Kathmandu University School of Management.

Prem K. Subba,is a semi-retired development specialist with more than 30 years experience in the children’s welfare and education sectors all over the world.

Pratyush Shah,a Ullen-KG Circle volunteer

Romisha Maharjan worked as a volunteers for different campaigns

Previous board members

B.R. Pandey

Beena Pandey

Maheshwor Juju

Dinkar Man Pradhan.

Particular thanks to Neejan Shrestha, Bikesh Bohora and Sukhad KC

Volunteers - Prashant Karki, Jeevan Shrestha, Deepshikha Rana, Situ Shretha, Dinita Adhikari, Shrayashree, Kiran, Shreya, Sanjina, Nischal, Neejan, Bikesh, Sukhad, Atul, Atulya, Gaurav, Paridhi, Palija, Ankita, Vaskar, Anel, Ayushma, Santosh, Sumnima, and Yunisha, Rajesh, Ramon, NishaThe Fouding team:Arati Paudel, Vice President, holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and culture. She has always been interested in social work.Prerana Bhatta, General Secretary holds a Bachelor's degree in sociology and economics. Her interest is in encouraging housewives to play active roles outside their homes.Anupama Pokhrel, Treasurer, is the Lead Researcher at Kehi Garoun. She holds a Master's degree in sociology. Her primary interest is in social inclusion.Renuka Adhikari, founding member, holds a bachelor's degree in English and economics. Her interest is in capacity building of charity organizations.Suraj Pokhrel, a student of Bachelor in Business Studies at that time, provided coordination support.

"Every day we hear and learn about the most pressing problem of today’s world like climatechange, environment degradation, uncontrolled population growth and their endless impactson humanity. These problems and often referred as side products of industrialization,transportation, technological encroachment and rightly so. All of these are here to address theshort term needs of people but completely eclipses their long term impact and ignores theneed of sustainability. We know it is very daunting task to sacrifice the short term need and comfort for long term sustainability. Investing in innovation requires patience, focus and expertise. To achieve our goals we have ventured into generation and distribution of sustainable energy using renewable sources and techniques, introduction of clean and green electric vehicles for rental services, charging stations for electric vehicles. Thee- Go has three companies FGE, G&G and SRIBIT goal of innovation for sustainability."

Many students from government schools are unable to buy a pair of shoe, which is not only injurious to them but they also feel embarrassed to go to school without shoes. Therefore KG in coordination with Mentor circle (a group of active teachers) identified 107 students in need from 8 different schools and successfully served them with school shoes.

Mustang Trails conducts customized tours in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Ladakh. Since 2004, it has organizing tea house treks, peak climbing expeditions, cultural tours and tours for people with special needs. ​"We really appreciate the ’Be the change" approach of 'Design for change" framework where students identify their problems and look for solutions themselves. This is exactly what we feel is needed to build a self-sufficient and dignified society. We are proud to partner with KG to build a dignified community," says Bidhya Hirachan, MD.